Regional digital development

The 2023 Australian Digital Inclusion Index highlights a persistent gap in digital access and capability across many regional and rural communities. This divide limits the ability of individuals to fully participate in the digital economy.

Digital skills are essential – they unlock employment opportunities, expand access to education, health, and social services, and strengthen community and social connections.

State Library of Queensland’s regional digital development project is working to bridge this gap. Through research and community engagement, the project gathers insights into local digital needs and challenges. In partnership with regional and remote councils, these insights inform the design and delivery of tailored digital initiatives and skills training – to help ensure every Queenslander has the opportunity to thrive in a connected world.

This project is a key initiative of the Queensland Government’s Our Thriving Digital Future: Queensland’s Digital Economy Strategy 2023-2026.

Regions

The project supports the deployment of Regional Digital Development Officers (RDDOs) in 4 regions across Queensland.

Stonehenge (Qld) turn off, photographed by Louise Gronold, 2025

Central West Queensland

State Library of Queensland’s regional digital development region of Central West Queensland covers a vast and remote area from Boulia in the west to Barcaldine in the east. Working with regional councils and communities, the project aims to address low digital ability – especially among older adults and remote residents – through tailored programs that build confidence, access, and inclusion.

Learn more

Far North Queensland

From Croydon Shire to Cook Shire, Far North Queensland faces some of Australia’s greatest digital inclusion challenges. State Library of Queensland’s regional digital development project works with councils and communities to design local digital skills programs that improve access and skills—empowering people to connect, participate, and thrive in the digital economy.

Learn more

Child looking at tablet at Outback at Isa

North–North West Queensland

State Library of Queensland’s regional digital development project region of North–North West Queensland extends across Mount Isa to Townsville and Normanton to the north. As one of Australia’s least digitally inclusive regions, digital initiatives are helping to bridge gaps in digital capability by working with communities to co–design local programs that build confidence, connectivity, and digital skills.

Learn more

South West Queensland

The South West Queensland regional digital development area spans over 338,000 square kilometres and is home to just under 35,000 people across 7 local government areas: Balonne, Bulloo, Goondiwindi, Maranoa, Murweh, Paroo, and Quilpie. This vast region is characterised by geographic isolation, decentralised service delivery, and significant variation in digital infrastructure and community access to digital skills support.

Learn more

Projects and activities across regional Queensland

RDDOs work with local governments, businesses, and individuals in their regions to:

map, measure, and report on digital indicators including capability and access
develop tailored regional digital inclusion plans 
look for opportunities and partnerships to help the region reach its digital potential
identify funding sources and assist with grant and funding applications 
design and deliver community digital capability programs.

Building regional digital capability

Digital and You is helping communities access technology, training and workshops that are tailored to support the digital capability needs of communities in regional and remote Queensland. Locals are offered hands-on opportunities to explore new technologies and develop digital skills in friendly, community-based settings.

Participants can build confidence in using digital tools for everyday tasks, access essential online services, enhance employability through practical digital skills, and even add a digital dimension to their artistic and creative interests.

Ready to develop your digital skills? Find free workshops in your region, make and manage bookings, and receive completion certificates using State Library’s free Digital and You app. Learn at your own pace through the app or use the links to a range of free online skills courses.